Design development is a crucial aspect of architecture, as it determines the look and feel of a building. It is the process of taking an initial design concept and refining it into a more detailed, technical design, ready for construction. In this essay, we will delve into the various stages and aspects of design development, exploring the different techniques and approaches that architects use to bring their designs to life.
First Stage: Conceptual Design Phase. | Design Development
The first stage of design development is the conceptual design phase. This is where architects take their initial ideas and start to explore different possibilities and options. They often use rough sketches and models to help communicate their ideas and explore different design options. This stage is critical, as it sets the direction for the entire design process. Architects must consider a wide range of factors, including the building’s purpose, its location, and the surrounding environment, to develop a concept that meets the project’s goals.
Second Stage: Schematic Design
Once the conceptual design phase is complete, the next stage is schematic design. This stage is all about refining the initial concept and developing a more detailed design. Architects use this stage to finalize the building’s layout and the relationships between spaces, ensuring that the design meets the project’s functional requirements. During this stage, architects will also start to consider the building’s form and aesthetic, exploring different materials and finishes that can be used to create the desired look and feel.
Third Stage: Design Development
The next stage is design development, where architects refine the schematic design further, focusing on technical and constructional details. This is where they start to consider how the building will be built, including the materials and methods that will be used. Architects will also start to develop the technical details, such as electrical and plumbing systems, heating and ventilation, and fire protection. This stage is critical, as it helps to ensure that the building can be constructed as intended, and that it meets all relevant regulations and codes.
Buildings Getting Built
The final stage of design development is construction administration. This is where architects oversee the construction process, ensuring that the building is constructed according to the contract documents. They may make changes and modifications to the design during this stage, based on the actual construction process, but the overall design should remain unchanged. Architects must also ensure that the construction process is carried out safely and that the building meets all relevant codes and regulations.
Case Study: The Walt Disney Concert Hall | Design Development
<<The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a prime example of the design development process in action. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the concert hall was a complex and challenging project that required close collaboration between the architect, the client, and other stakeholders. The design development phase was critical to the success of the project, as it allowed the design team to refine the design and resolve technical issues.
The initial concept for the concert hall was based on Gehry’s vision of a dynamic, fluid form that would evoke the spirit of music. During the design development phase, the architect worked closely with engineers and other specialists to refine the design and ensure that it was feasible. The design team used computer-aided design software to test and refine the design, exploring different design options and making adjustments as necessary.
One of the biggest challenges in the design development phase was the integration of the technical systems into the design. The concert hall is a highly complex structure, and the design team had to work closely with engineers and other specialists to ensure that the systems were integrated into the design in a seamless and efficient manner. The use of technology was crucial in this process, as it allowed the team to explore different design options and make adjustments in real-time.
The result of the design development phase was a highly refined and detailed design that met the client’s needs and exceeded their expectations.
Second Case Study: The Getty Center
The Getty Center, located in Los Angeles, California, is a prime example of the design development process in action. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the Getty Center is a complex of buildings set on a hilltop and surrounded by lush gardens. The center includes several buildings, including a museum, research institute, and administrative offices.
The design development phase for the Getty Center involved several stages, including the development of the overall form and scale of the buildings, the selection of materials, and the consideration of sustainability and environmental impact.
Meier and his team used a range of visual aids, including models and drawings, to communicate the design intent to the client and consultants. The buildings were designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating passive design strategies, such as maximizing natural ventilation and daylight, and using environmentally friendly materials, such as native plants for the landscaping.
The design also incorporated technical innovations, such as a state-of-the-art climate control system, to ensure that the buildings would be comfortable and safe for visitors and staff. The design development phase also involved close collaboration with engineers and lighting designers to ensure that the buildings were safe and well lit.
In addition to these technical considerations, cost management was a critical aspect of the design development phase for the Getty Center. The architects worked to ensure that the design was feasible within the budget constraints set by the client, exploring alternative materials and systems and making trade-offs between design elements as needed.
In the end, the Getty Center was completed as a beautiful and functional complex of buildings that meet the design and technical requirements set by the client, while also minimizing its impact on the environment. It serves as a testament to the importance of design development in architecture, and the role that architects play in ensuring that buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also safe, sustainable, and functional.
Documenting & Drafting
After the design development stage, the next stage is contract documents. This is where architects finalize the technical details and produce detailed drawings and specifications that can be used by contractors to build the building. Contract documents must be accurate and comprehensive, as they are used to obtain permits and contracts, and to manage the construction process. During this stage, architects will also review the design and construction budget, making any necessary adjustments to ensure that the project stays within budget.
Final Thoughts | Design Development
In conclusion, design development is a critical aspect of architecture, as it determines the look and feel of a building and ensures that it can be constructed as intended. Architects use a range of techniques and approaches to bring their designs to life, and they must consider a wide range of factors to ensure that their designs meet the project’s goals and requirements. Design development is a multi-stage process, involving conceptual design, schematic design, design development, contract documents, and construction administration. By understanding the different stages of design development, architects can ensure that their designs are accurate, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Images/visual mediums
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https://sdaarchitects.com/4-tools-an-architecture-design-firm-uses-every-day/
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https://blog.allplan.com/en/improving-quality-of-life-through-architecture
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7_ Walt Disney Concert Hall Sketch_©Frank Gehry. [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sketch-of-Disney-Hall-exterior-The-Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall-Portfolio-2003-Frank-Gehry_fig2_358782627
8_Walt Disney Concert Hal_©LA Philharmonic Association. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/441358/ad-classics-walt-disney-concert-hall-frank-gehry
9_ Walt Disney Concert Hal_©Expedia. [online] Available at: https://www.expedia.com/Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall-Downtown-Los-Angeles.d6068477.Vacation-Attraction
10_Axonometric_©Richard Meiers and partners architect. [online] Available at:https://www.archdaily.com/103964/ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects/5037f9e928ba0d599b000744-ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects-entry-level-plan-courtesy-of-richard-meier-and-partners-architects?next_project=no
11_Guetty_Richard Meiers and partners architect_©ScottFrances. [online] Available at:https://www.archdaily.com/103964/ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects/5037f9e928ba0d599b000744-ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects-entry-level-plan-courtesy-of-richard-meier-and-partners-architects?next_project=no
12_East Elevation_©Richard Meiers and partners architect. [online] Available at:https://www.archdaily.com/103964/ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects/5037f9e928ba0d599b000744-ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects-entry-level-plan-courtesy-of-richard-meier-and-partners-architects?next_project=no
References:
Gallery of AD classics: AD classics: Getty center / richard meier & partners – 11 (no date) ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/103964/ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects/5037f9e928ba0d599b000744-ad-classics-getty-center-richard-meier-partners-architects-entry-level-plan-courtesy-of-richard-meier-and-partners-architects?next_project=no (Accessed: February 13, 2023).
